The executive producer of the planned Mandoza biopic drama series, Vaughn Eaton, has refuted claims that he embezzled funds intended for paying cast and crew.
According to the South African, Vaughn, who was also the late kwaito star’s manager, allegedly informed Sunday World that some payments had already been paid and that he is not to blame for the hold-up.
“I have seen newspaper articles and online stuff. I saw someone suggesting that I have stolen and embezzled money and stuff like that. I don’t know where people get their stories from. With regards to the money, we have had a delay in regard to payment and paying everyone, which I think is a normal thing in business. The fact that it is a Mandoza story, people make such a big fuss about it. Everybody will be paid, there is still some outstanding payments but we have paid actors,” he said.
According to Sunday World, Vaughn had apologised to the cast and crew for payment delays in a letter dated 4 May.
Vaughn claims that R6 million had already been paid as salaries and as soon as one of the funders pays ups, everyone will receive their proper salaries. “People have been paid portions of their payments. We have paid out in excess of R6-million. So, I don’t know where these stories originate from. A lot of people have been paid their money. It is just outstanding payments from here and there, but it is highly probable,” he said.
The Mandoza biopic is currently still underway with no set release date.
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